Utilidad del exoma en el estudio de la paraparesia espástica y la atrofia cerebelosa: mutación de novo en el gen KIF1A, una nueva esperanza pronóstica / Usefulness of exome sequencing in the study of spastic paraparesis and cerebellar atrophy: De novo mutation of the KIF1A gene, a new hope in prognosis

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¿Ha cambiado la actividad asistencial de la neurología pediátrica en 11 años? / Has clinical activity in paediatric neurology changed in the past 11 years?

Introducción: Pensamos que en la última década ha existido un aumento en la demanda de atención de neurología pediátrica (NP) por parte de la población pero también con un cambio cualitativo en las patologías que se atienden. Por este motivo planteamos realizar un segundo registro (2013) y analizar si existían o no diferencias con el efectuado en el año 2002. Métodos: Se realiza un registro prospectivo de actividad asistencia de NP en el Hospital Universitario de Getafe en 2013 y se compara con otro registro prospectivo previo realizado en 2002. Resultados: Se ha pasado de 1.300 consultas a 1.982 (incremento del 52,46%) y de 32,6 consultas/1.000 niños al año a 57,48 (76,32% de aumento). La actividad en consulta supone el 92,2% de toda la asistencia neuropediátrica del 2013; actualmente el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es la patología más frecuente (27,6% en 2013/8,1% en 2002). Aunque las cefaleas siguen siendo muy frecuentes han disminuido (19% en 2013/22% en 2002). Como primeras consultas la cefalea sigue siendo la más frecuente en 2013 (32,1%), seguida del TDAH (19,1%). En régimen de hospitalización la epilepsia continúa siendo el diagnóstico más frecuente (30,3% en 2013/36,7% en 2002). Conclusiones: La NP continúa siendo una actividad básicamente ambulatoria, con un incremento considerable en los últimos años. Este aumento se debe fundamentalmente a los trastornos del neurodesarrollo y muy especialmente al TDAH. Podríamos decir que el TDAH es a la NP lo que la demencia a la neurología general

Introduction: We believe that the demand for paediatric neurology (PN) care has increased over the past decade, and that reasons for requesting consultations have also changed. The objective of this study is to complete a registry study to profile the demand for PN care in 2013 and compare results to those from a study performed in 2002. Methods: A prospective registry of PN healthcare activities was completed at Hospital Universitario de Getafe in 2013. Results were compared with those from a prospective registry study conducted in 2002. Results: The number of visits increased from 1,300 in 2002 to 1,982 in 2013 (a 52.46% increase), and from 32.6 visits per 1,000 children to 57.48 (a 76.32% increase). Outpatient consultations accounted for 92.2% of all PN consultations in 2013. Currently, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent diagnosis (27.6% in 2013 vs. 8.1% in 2002). Although the percentage of headache consultations has decreased (19% in 2013 vs. 22% in 2002), headache was still the most common reason for an initial visit in 2013 (32.1%), followed by ADHD (19.1%). Epilepsy remains the most frequent diagnosis in hospitalised patients (30.3% in 2013 vs. 36.7% in 2002). Conclusions: PN is fundamentally an outpatient activity that has increased considerably in recent years. This increase is mainly due to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially ADHD. We might state that the role of ADHD in PN is comparable to that of dementia in general neurology

Has clinical activity in paediatric neurology changed in the past 11 years? / ¿Ha cambiado la actividad asistencial de la neurología pediátrica en 11 años?

INTRODUCTION: We believe that the demand for paediatric neurology (PN) care has increased over the past decade, and that reasons for requesting consultations have also changed. The objective of this study is to complete a registry study to profile the demand for PN care in 2013 and compare results to those from a study performed in 2002. METHODS: A prospective registry of PN healthcare activities was completed at Hospital Universitario de Getafe in 2013. Results were compared with those from a prospective registry study conducted in 2002. RESULTS: The number of visits increased from 1,300 in 2002 to 1,982 in 2013 (a 52.46% increase), and from 32.6 visits per 1,000 children to 57.48 (a 76.32% increase). Outpatient consultations accounted for 92.2% of all PN consultations in 2013. Currently, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent diagnosis (27.6% in 2013 vs. 8.1% in 2002). Although the percentage of headache consultations has decreased (19% in 2013 vs. 22% in 2002), headache was still the most common reason for an initial visit in 2013 (32.1%), followed by ADHD (19.1%). Epilepsy remains the most frequent diagnosis in hospitalised patients (30.3% in 2013 vs. 36.7% in 2002). CONCLUSIONS: PN is fundamentally an outpatient activity that has increased considerably in recent years. This increase is mainly due to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially ADHD. We might state that the role of ADHD in PN is comparable to that of dementia in general neurology.

Estatus con alteraciones periictales en resonancia magnética cerebral versus encefalitis / Status with periictal changes in cerebral magnetic resonance versus encephalitis

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[Fast and spectacular clinical response to plasmapheresis in a paediatric case of anti-NMDA encephalitis]. / Respuesta clinica rapida y espectacular a plasmaferesis en un caso pediatrico de encefalitis anti-NMDA.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune encephalitis against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is being diagnosed more and more frequently in the paediatric age. It should be suspected in children with psychiatric symptoms, encephalopathy, abnormal movements or epileptic seizures. Paraneoplastic cases are less frequent than in adults. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a boy, 2.5 years of age, with subacute encephalopathic signs and symptoms and epileptic seizures followed by behaviour disorders, neurological regression, dyskinesias and insomnia. Results of a cerebrospinal fluid study were normal, the magnetic resonance scan of the head revealed a focal periventricular lesion and diffuse leptomeningeal uptake; moreover, the serial electroencephalograms showed high-amplitude delta activity interspersed with generalised intercritical epileptiform activity. The patient was given empirical treatment with high doses of corticoids and intravenous immunoglobulins with no response. After showing up positive for antibodies against the NMDA receptor, plasmapheresis was begun, which led to his swift and spectacular recovery. After more than 18 months' follow-up, his sequelae are limited to mild behavioural and language alterations. He has had no relapses and has not needed any kind of maintenance treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-NMDA encephalitis is a treatable disorder and, sometimes, the first evidence of an underlying neoplasia, which makes its early recognition and treatment essential. Treatment of the non-paraneoplastic forms are based on immunotherapy: glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis and immunosuppressants. Plasmapheresis can bring about a fast, spectacular improvement.

[Coding in neuropediatrics based on the International Classification Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9), 5th edition (2006)]. / Codificación en neurología pediátrica basada en la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, 9.(a) revisión (CIE-9), 5.(a) edición (2006).

AIMS: To analyze International Classification Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) coding and adapt it, on a consensus basis, to 'reasons for medical consultation', 'diagnoses' and 'procedures' in child neurology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The most frequent reasons for medical consultation, diagnoses and procedures in neuropediatrics were selected and assigned the most appropriate ICD-9, Clinical Modification (5th ed.) (ICD-9-CM) codes in accordance with this system's coding rules. Disorders were grouped by sections, and allocated to the various members of the working group (13 child neurologists from 10 hospitals in Madrid and environs). RESULTS: Available on the web www.neurologia.com/cie-9. ICD-9-CM codes were assigned to: 158 reasons for medical consultation; 886 diagnoses; 73 diagnostic procedures; and 53 therapeutic procedures. In every case, the most appropriate ICD-9 code was sought for the respective diagnosis. No codes were invented but the working group did take certain liberties with interpretation, which nevertheless showed respect for general ICD-9-CM philosophy and are described in full in the text. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of this ICD-9 adaptation will not only enhance diagnostic coding in child neurology departments, but will also provide them with a useful tool for setting up databases to enable information to be retrospectively analyzed and shared by the different health centers.

Codificación en neurología pediátrica basada en la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, novena revisión (CIE-9), quinta edición (2006) / Coding in neuropediatrics based on the international classification diseases, 9 th revision (ICD-9), 5 th edition ( 2006)

Objetivos. Análisis y adaptación consensuada de la codificación de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, 9.ª revisión (CIE-9), a los motivos de consulta, diagnósticos y procedimientos en neurología pediátrica. Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionan los motivos de consulta, diagnósticos y procedimientos más frecuentes en neuropediatría y se les asignael código más apropiado de la CIE-9-MC (5.ª ed.) según las normas de codificación de dicho sistema. Se han agrupado las patologías por secciones, las cuales se han adjudicado a los distintos miembros del grupo de trabajo (13 neurólogos pediátricos de 10 hospitales de Madrid capital y área periférica). Resultados. Se exponen en www.neurologia.com/cie-9. Se han asignadocódigos de la CIE-9-MC (5.ª ed.) a 158 motivos de consulta, 886 diagnósticos, 73 procedimientos diagnósticos y 53 procedimientos terapéuticos. Siempre se ha intentado buscar el código de la CIE-9 más apropiado para los distintos diagnósticos.No se han inventado códigos, aunque el grupo de trabajo se ha tomado algunas libertades de interpretación que respetan la filosofía general de la CIE-9-MC y que se describen en el texto. Conclusión. La creación de esta adaptación de la CIE-9 potenciará la codificación diagnóstica en los servicios de neurología pediátrica, dotándolos además de una herramienta útil parala elaboración de bases de datos que permitan el análisis retrospectivo de la información, y compartirla entre los distintos centros

Aims. To analyze International Classification Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) coding and adapt it, on a consensusbasis, to ‘reasons for medical consultation’, ‘diagnoses’ and ‘procedures’ in child neurology. Materials and methods. The most frequent reasons for medical consultation, diagnoses and procedures in neuropediatrics were selected and assigned themost appropriate ICD-9, Clinical Modification (5th ed.) (ICD-9-CM) codes in accordance with this system’s coding rules. Disorders were grouped by sections, and allocated to the various members of the working group (13 child neurologists from 10 hospitals in Madrid and environs). Results. Available on the web www.neurologia.com/cie-9. ICD-9-CM codes were assigned to: 158 reasons for medical consultation; 886 diagnoses; 73 diagnostic procedures; and 53 therapeutic procedures. In every case, the most appropriate ICD-9 code was sought for the respective diagnosis. No codes were invented but the workinggroup did take certain liberties with interpretation, which nevertheless showed respect for general ICD-9-CM philosophy and are described in full in the text. Conclusions. The creation of this ICD-9 adaptation will not only enhance diagnostic coding in child neurology departments, but will also provide them with a useful tool for setting up databases to enable information to beretrospectively analyzed and shared by the different health centers

[Mononeuropathy in chronic lymphatic leukaemia]. / Mononeuropatía en la leucemia linfática crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) is the most frequent form of leukaemia in the adult population in western countries. Only 7.2% of the complications of CLL are neurological and most of them are secondary to an infection by herpes zoster virus. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 71-year-old female with B-type CLL in stage IV or type C that was progressing and becoming diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Richter's syndrome), who developed an incomplete axonotmesis of the left peroneal nerve and numerous violet-coloured nodules under the skin in the left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of diffuse infiltration into the subcutaneous tissue and the muscles of the left leg; a biopsy study of one of the subcutaneous nodules revealed a lymphoid infiltration by large B-cells. In this patient, the injury to the left peroneal nerve was probably secondary to a lymphoid infiltration of the nerve from adjacent infiltrated soft tissues. CONCLUSION: Peripheral neuropathy due to direct infiltration can be a neurological complication of CLL that has not be reported to date, but which is known to occur in other lymphoproliferative processes.

Mononeuropatía en la leucemia linfática crónica / Monotherapy in chronic lymphatic leukaemia

Introducción. La leucemia linfática crónica (LLC) es la leucemia de la población adulta más frecuente en los países occidentales. Sólo un 7,2% de las complicaciones de la LLC son neurológicas y la mayoría es secundaria a una infección por el virus herpes zoster. Caso clínico. Mujer de 71 años con LLC de tipo B en estadio IV o de tipo C en progresión y transformación a linfoma B difuso de células grandes (síndrome de Richter), que desarrolla una axonotmnesis incompleta del nervio peroneo izquierdo y múltiples nódulos violáceos subcutáneos en la rodilla izquierda. La resonancia magnética objetivó signos de infiltración difusa en el tejido subcutáneo y en los músculos de la pierna izquierda, y la biopsia de uno de los nódulos subcutáneos, una infiltración linfoide por célula B grande. En esta paciente, la lesión del nervio peroneo izquierdo probablemente fue secundaria a una infiltración linfoide del nervio proveniente de los tejidos blandos infiltrados adyacentes. Conclusión. La neuropatía periférica por infiltración directa puede ser una complicación neurológica de la LLC, no descrita hasta ahora, pero conocida en otros procesos linfoproliferativos

Introduction. Chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) is the most frequent form of leukaemia in the adult population in western countries. Only 7.2% of the complications of CLL are neurological and most of them are secondary to an infection by herpes zoster virus. Case report. We report the case of a 71-year-old female with B-type CLL in stage IV or type C that was progressing and becoming diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Richter’s syndrome), who developed an incomplete axonotmesis of the left peroneal nerve and numerous violet-coloured nodules under the skin in the left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of diffuse infiltration into the subcutaneous tissue and the muscles of the left leg; a biopsy study of one of the subcutaneous nodules revealed a lymphoid infiltration by large B-cells. In this patient, the injury to the left peroneal nerve was probably secondary to a lymphoid infiltration of the nerve from adjacent infiltrated soft tissues. Conclusion. Peripheral neuropathy due to direct infiltration can be a neurological complication of CLL that has not be reported to date, but which is known to occur in other lymphoproliferative processes

[Migraine in childhood: a trivial condition?]. / La jaqueca en la infancia: una patologia banal?

INTRODUCTION: Migraine is seen as being a trivial disease, and more so in childhood, but in many cases it has a detrimental effect on the patient's quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study. All the patients were evaluated by the same neuropaediatrician and all of them satisfied diagnostic criteria for migraine. 127 children were examined. The mean age was 9.4 years, with an interval of 3-14 years; there were no differences between sexes. 67 males and 60 females. RESULTS: The mean length of time the episodes lasted was 22.5 h. The most frequently observed clinical features were: hemicranial localisation, 44.4%; throbbing, 74.4%; photophobia, 74.8%; phonophobia, 83.5%; nausea-vomiting, 63.5%; and aura, 14.3%; with predominance of acutely intense visual and sensory symptoms (74%), functional repercussions in 87% and absence from school in up to 36.9% of cases. 16% of patients have had episodes of status migrainous. At the time of the visit 46% had several attacks a week; 13.7% once a week; 16.1% fortnightly; 13.7 % monthly; 5.6% every three months; and others, 4.8%. 48.7% of the patients were given preventive treatment, which was wholly effective in 48%, partially effective in 35% and not at all effective in 15.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Migraine in childhood is not a trivial pathology. It is disabling: it interferes with their daily life in 85% of cases, causes them to miss school in almost 40% of patients and nearly 50% of them have several episodes a week. A similar figure required prophylactic treatment that was seen to be very effective.

La jaqueca en la infancia: ¿una patología banal? / Migraine in childhood: a trivial condition?

Introducción. La jaqueca se considera una enfermedad banal, más aún en la infancia, pero lo cierto es que en muchos casos resta calidad de vida. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio prospectivo. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados por el mismo neuropediatra. Cumplían criterios diagnósticos de jaqueca. Se evaluó a 127niños. La edad media fue de 9,4 años (intervalo: 3-14 años), sin diferencias entre sexos. 67 varones y 60 mujeres. Resultados. La duración media de la crisis fue de 22,5 h. Las características clínicas más frecuentes recogidas fueron: localización hemicraneal,44,4%; pulsátil, 74,4%; fotofobia, 74,8%; fonofobia, 83,5%; náuseas-vómitos, 63,5%, y aura, 14,3%, con predomino de síntomas visuales y sensitivos, de intensidad aguda (74%), con repercusión funcional en el 87% y provocación del absentismo escolar hasta en el 36,9%. Un 16% sufrió episodios de estado jaquecoso. En el momento de consultar el 46% tuvo varias crisis a la semana; el13,7%, semanal; el 16,1%, quincenal; el 13,7 %, mensual; el 5,6%, trimestral; y otros, el 4,8%. El 48,7% recibió tratamiento preventivo con eficacia completa en el 48%, parcial en el 35% y nula en el15,4%. Conclusiones. La jaqueca en la infancia no es una patología banal. Es incapacitante: interfiere con la vida diaria en más del85%, provoca faltas escolares en casi un 40% de los casos y cerca del 50% sufre varios episodios a la semana. Una cifra similar requirió tratamiento profiláctico, que resultó muy eficaz (AU)

Introduction. Migraine is seen as being a trivial disease, and more so in childhood, but in many cases it has a detrimental effect on the patient’s quality of life. Patients and methods. Prospective study. All the patients were evaluated by the same neuropaediatrician and all of them satisfied diagnostic criteria for migraine. 127 children were examined. The mean age was 9.4 years, with an interval of 3-14 years; there were no differences between sexes. 67 males and 60 females. Results. The mean length of time the episodes lasted was 22.5 h. The most frequently observed clinical features were: hemicranial localisation, 44.4%; throbbing, 74.4%; photophobia, 74.8%; phonophobia, 83.5%; nausea-vomiting, 63.5%; and aura, 14.3%;with predominance of acutely intense visual and sensory symptoms (74%), functional repercussions in 87% and absence from school in up to 36.9% of cases. 16% of patients have had episodes of status migrainous. At the time of the visit 46% had several attacks a week; 13.7% once a week; 16.1% fortnightly; 13.7 % monthly; 5.6% every three months; and others, 4.8%. 48.7% of the patients were given preventive treatment, which was wholly effective in 48%, partially effective in 35% and not at all effective in 15.4%. Conclusions. Migraine in childhood is not a trivial pathology. It is disabling: it interferes with their daily life in 85% of cases, causes them to miss school in almost 40% of patients and nearly 50% of them have several episodes a week. A similar figure required prophylactic treatment that was seen to be very effective (AU)

[Variability in the treatment of headaches in visits to the Neuropaediatrics service at six Spanish hospitals]. / Variabilidad en el tratamiento de las cefaleas en las consultas de Neuropediatría de seis hospitales españoles.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is one of the chief reasons for visiting Neuropaediatric units. Variability in clinical practice has been defined as variations in the rates a clinical procedure is employed. The aim of this work is to study the variability in the treatment of children's headaches in six Spanish hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study involving patients who first visited because of a headache some time in the year 1999. Data were collected in December 2003. The following variables were analysed: type of headache, neuroimaging scans, beginning of prophylaxis, follow-up visits to clinic and number of patients who dropped out of the follow-up. RESULTS: In all, 372 children were attended. 63.4% of the headaches were considered as being migraine-type; 43% of the patients were submitted to neuroimaging and prophylaxis was established in 36.8%. Mean follow-up time in the clinic was 10.6 months and the mean number of visits was 3. 30% had dropped out of the follow-up. In the comparative analysis, significant differences were found in all the variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: Overall results are similar to those found in other series. The differences found between centres can be accounted for by differences in population, differences in health professionals' styles of medical practice or by the nonexistence of clear guidelines regarding a particular procedure.

Variabilidad en el tratamiento de las cefaleas en las consultas de Neuropediatría de seis hospitales españoles / Variability in the treatment of headaches in visits to the neuropaediatrics service at six spanish hospitals

Introducción. La cefalea es una de las principales causasde consulta en las unidades de Neuropediatría. La variabilidad en lapráctica médica se ha definido como la variaciónes en las tasas deun procedimiento clínico. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar lavariabilidad en el manejo de las cefaleas infantiles entre seis hospitalesespañoles. Pacientes y métodos. Se trata de un trabajo retrospectivoen el que se incluyen aquellos pacientes que acudieron a laconsulta debido a una cefalea por primera vez durante el año 1999.La recogida de datos se realizó en diciembre de 2003. Se analizaronlas siguientes variables: tipo de cefalea, realización de neuroimagen,inicio de profilaxis, tiempo de seguimiento en consultas y número depacientes que abandonaron el seguimiento. Resultados. Se atendieron372 niños. Un 63,4% de las cefaleas se consideró migrañosa; aun 43% de los pacientes se les practicó neuroimagen y se inició profilaxisa un 36,8%. La media de seguimiento en consultas fue de 10,6meses, y el número medio de visitas fue de tres. Un 30% había abandonadoel seguimiento. En el análisis comparativo, se han encontradodiferencias significativas en todas las variables estudiadas. Conclusiones.Los resultados globales son similares a los encontrados enotras series. Las diferencias encontradas entre los centros puedeninterpretarse como debidas a las diferencias poblacionales, por losdiferentes estilos de práctica médica de los profesionales, o bien porla inexistencia de pautas claras con respecto a un determinado procedimiento

Introduction. Headache is one of the chief reasons for visiting Neuropaediatric units. Variability in clinical practicehas been defined as variations in the rates a clinical procedure is employed. The aim of this work is to study the variability inthe treatment of children’s headaches in six Spanish hospitals. Patients and methods. We conducted a retrospective studyinvolving patients who first visited because of a headache some time in the year 1999. Data were collected in December 2003.The following variables were analysed: type of headache, neuroimaging scans, beginning of prophylaxis, follow-up visits toclinic and number of patients who dropped out of the follow-up. Results. In all, 372 children were attended. 63.4% of theheadaches were considered as being migraine-type; 43% of the patients were submitted to neuroimaging and prophylaxis wasestablished in 36.8%. Mean follow-up time in the clinic was 10.6 months and the mean number of visits was 3. 30% haddropped out of the follow-up. In the comparative analysis, significant differences were found in all the variables studied.Conclusions. Overall results are similar to those found in other series. The differences found between centres can beaccounted for by differences in population, differences in health professionals’ styles of medical practice or by the inexistenceof clear guidelines regarding a particular procedure

[Paediatric neurology health care activity in a tertiary hospital. A study comparing it with adult neurology and non-neurological paediatrics]. / Actividad asistencial de la neurología pediátrica en un hospital de nivel 3. Estudio comparativo con la neurología de adultos y la pediatría no neurológica.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric neurology (PN) remains 'hidden' somewhere between paediatrics and neurology in almost all health care centres and this makes it difficult to allocate resources in a proper manner. AIMS: Our objective in this study was to analyse PN health care activity and compare it with adult neurology (AN) and with non-neurological paediatrics (NNP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: PN health care activity registry for the year 2002. AN and NNP data were collected from the hospital's Computer Service. RESULTS: In all, 1300 PN visits were made, 428 of which were new and 872 successive, which represent 16.2% of paediatric visits (30% new, 13.3% successive) and 10.3% of neurological visits (12.4% new, 10.2% successive). The rates of new and successive visits in PN are: 32.6, 10.7 and 21.9 per 1000 children, and in AN: 44.2, 12.5 and 31.7 per 1000 adults. A total number of 94 hospitalised children were attended, 3.3% of all paediatric admissions and 9.2% of the total neurological attention in inpatients. The rates are 2.36 per 1000 children in PN and 3.9 per 1000 adults in AN. There is greater demand among smaller children. The most frequent pathologies are headaches in clinical visits and epilepsy in hospitalised patients. CONCLUSIONS: PN is essentially a service used by outpatients. It accounts for a high percentage of hospital paediatric visits. The activity rates per 1000 children and per 1000 adults are similar. The increased birth rate raises PN activity to a level that is higher than would normally be desirable, due to the growth in the population.

Actividad asistencial de la neurología pediátrica en un hospital de nivel 3. Estudio comparativo con la neurología de adultos y la pediatría no neurológica / Paediatric neurology health care activity in a tertiary hospital. A study comparing it with adult neurology and non-neurological paediatrics

Introducción. La neurología pediátrica (NP) queda 'oculta' entre la pediatría y la neurología en casi todos los centros, lo que dificulta el correcto reparto de los recursos. Objetivo. Analizar la actividad asistencial de la NP y compararla con la neurología de adultos (NA) y con la pediatría no neurológica (PNN). Pacientes y métodos. Registro de la actividad asistencial de NP durante el año 2002. Los datos de NA y de PNN se obtuvieron del Servicio de Informática del hospital. Resultados. Se realizaron 1.300 consultas de NP, 428 nuevas y 872 sucesivas, que suponen el 16,2 por ciento de las pediátricas (30 por ciento nuevas, 13,3 por ciento sucesivas) y el 10,3 por ciento de las neurológicas (12,4 por ciento nuevas, 10,2 por ciento sucesivas). Las tasas de consultas, nuevas y sucesivas en NP son: 32,6, 10,7 y 21,9 por 1.000 niños, y en NA: 44,2, 12,5 y 31,7 por 1.000 adultos. Se atendieron 94 niños hospitalizados, un 3,3 por ciento del total de ingresos pediátricos y un 9,2 por ciento de la atención neurológica total en hospitalización. Las tasas son de 2,36 por 1.000 niños en NP y de 3,9 por 1.000 adultos en NA. Existe una mayor demanda en los niños más pequeños. Las patologías más frecuentes son las cefaleas en consultas y las epilepsias en hospitalización. Conclusiones. La NP es fundamentalmente ambulatoria. Supone un alto porcentaje de las consultas pediátricas hospitalarias. Las tasas de actividad por 1.000 niños y por 1.000 adultos son parecidas. El aumento de la natalidad incrementa la actividad de la NP más de lo esperable debido al incremento demográfico (AU)

Introduction. Paediatric neurology (PN) remains ‘hidden’ somewhere between paediatrics and neurology in almost all health care centres and this makes it difficult to allocate resources in a proper manner. Aims. Our objective in this study was to analyse PN health care activity and compare it with adult neurology (AN) and with non-neurological paediatrics (NNP). Pacients and methods. PN health care activity registry for the year 2002. AN and NNP data were collected from the hospital’s Computer Service. Results. In all, 1300 PN visits were made, 428 of which were new and 872 successive, which represent 16.2% of paediatric visits (30% new, 13.3% successive) and 10.3% of neurological visits (12.4% new, 10.2% successive). The rates of new and successive visits in PN are: 32.6, 10.7 and 21.9 per 1000 children, and in AN: 44.2, 12.5 and 31.7 per 1000 adults. A total number of 94 hospitalised children were attended, 3.3% of all paediatric admissions and 9.2% of the total neurological attention in inpatients. The rates are 2.36 per 1000 children in PN and 3.9 per 1000 adults in AN. There is greater demand among smaller children. The most frequent pathologies are headaches in clinical visits and epilepsy in hospitalised patients. Conclusions. PN is essentially a service used by outpatients. It accounts for a high percentage of hospital paediatric visits. The activity rates per 1000 children and per 1000 adults are similar. The increased birth rate raises PN activity to a level that is higher than would normally be desirable, due to the growth in the population (AU)

[The present state of paediatric neurology in the Autonomous Community of Madrid: variability in the distribution of resources]. / Situacion de la neurologia pediatrica en la Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid: variabilidad en la distribucion de los recursos.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric neurology (PN) lies halfway between neurology and paediatrics, with no official acknowledgment. It is therefore difficult to determine exactly how resources are shared out. AIMS: The aim of this study is to analyse the public resources devoted to PN in the different health care areas within the Autonomous Community of Madrid (ACM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In May 2002 we carried out a survey among child neurologists (CN) from the 9 independent health care districts within the ACM. RESULTS: A total of 28 CN work for the public health service in the ACM, eight of whom are employed on a part time basis. Only 53% are owners. The ratio of CN per 100000 inhabitants (inhab.) is 0.55 (0.45 after correction for part time work). The figure varies from one area to another from 0.07 to 1 CN/100000 inhab. (1/12000 1/220000 children). Part time neurologists work in the outer districts of the ACM. In most areas it is difficult to carry out diagnostic tests and these become even complicated when the child is small and requires some anaesthetic procedure. Neuropsychological assessment is one of the basic evaluations performed in PN and this is not easily performed in most centres. CONCLUSIONS: The CN/100000 inhab. ratio in the ACM is lower than that commonly recommended. The distribution of resources varies greatly and does not match demographic criteria. Temporary and part time jobs are commonplace in the peripheral areas. It is difficult for most centres to perform diagnostic tests.

Situación de la neurología pediátrica en la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid: variabilidad en la distribución de los recursos / The present state of paediatric neurology in the Autonomous Community of Madrid: variability in the distribution of resources

Introducción. La neurología pediátrica (NP) está a caballo entre la neurología y la pediatría, sin acreditación oficial. Por ello, es difícil conocer cómo se reparten los recursos. Objetivo. Analizar los recursos públicos dedicados a la NP en las distintas áreas sanitarias de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM). Material y métodos. En mayo de 2002 se realizó una encuesta entre los neurólogos infantiles (NI) de las 11 áreas de salud independientes de la CAM. Resultados. En la sanidad pública de la CAM trabajan 28 NI, ocho de ellos a tiempo parcial. Sólo el 53 por ciento son titulares. La relación de NI por cada 100.000 habitantes (hab.) es de 0,55 (0,45 corrigiendo por el tiempo parcial). En las distintas áreas varía desde 0,07 hasta 1 NI/100.000 hab. (1/12.000-1/220.000 niños). Los neurólogos a tiempo parcial están en las áreas periféricas de la CAM. Existen dificultades para la realización de pruebas diagnósticas en la mayoría de las áreas. Éstas son mayores cuando el niño es pequeño y precisa un procedimiento anestésico. Dentro de las evaluaciones básicas de la NP está la valoración neuropsicológica, que resulta difícil en la mayoría de los centros. Conclusiones. La tasa de NI/100.000 hab. en la CAM es inferior a la recomendada. Existe una gran variabilidad en la distribución de los recursos, que no se ajusta a criterios demográficos. La interinidad y la dedicación a tiempo parcial son la norma en las áreas periféricas. Existen muchas dificultades para realizar pruebas diagnósticas en la mayoría de los centros (AU)

Introduction. Paediatric neurology (PN) lies halfway between neurology and paediatrics, with no official acknowledgment. It is therefore difficult to determine exactly how resources are shared out. Aims. The aim of this study is to analyse the public resources devoted to PN in the different health care areas within the Autonomous Community of Madrid (ACM). Materials and methods. In May 2002 we carried out a survey among child neurologists (CN) from the 11 independent health care districts within the ACM. Results. A total of 28 CN work for the public health service in the ACM, eight of whom are employed on a part-time basis. Only 53% are owners. The ratio of CN per 100,000 inhabitants (inhab.) is 0.55 (0.45 after correction for part-time work). The figure varies from one area to another from 0.07 to 1 CN/100,000 inhab. (1/12,000-1/220,000 children). Part-time neurologists work in the outer districts of the ACM. In most areas it is difficult to carry out diagnostic tests and these become even complicated when the child is small and requires some anaesthetic procedure. Neuropsychological assessment is one of the basic evaluations performed in PN and this is not easily performed in most centres. Conclusions. The CN/100 000 inhab. ratio in the ACM is lower than that commonly recommended. The distribution of resources varies greatly and does not match demographic criteria. Temporary and part-time jobs are commonplace in the peripheral areas. It is difficult for most centres to perform diagnostic tests (AU)